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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-18 at 18:04
HEADLINES
1. Israel Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites in Escalating Conflict
2. Iran Fires Over 400 Missiles Amid Regional Tensions
3. Historic Milestone as First Female Israeli Pilot Flies
The time is now 02:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At two o'clock in the afternoon, the region remains deeply embroiled in escalating tensions and ongoing military confrontations. Israel continues its targeted operations against Iranian military infrastructure, aiming to degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities and missile arsenals. Over the past days, Israeli forces have achieved significant tactical gains, striking key nuclear sites such as Natanz and Arak, and targeting Iran’s domestic security apparatus, including the headquarters of Iran’s internal security forces. These strikes have resulted in the deaths of numerous Iranian personnel and scientists, and have caused widespread damage to nuclear and military facilities.
In response, Iran has launched a barrage of missile and drone attacks, with reports indicating over 400 missiles fired since the start of Israel’s Operation Rising Lion. Of these, approximately twenty have struck populated areas inside Israel, causing casualties and infrastructure damage, while hundreds of drones and missiles have been intercepted or missed their targets. Iran claims to have fired around 1,000 drones, though none have hit specific targets thus far. Iranian officials continue to assert their right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, rejecting calls from the United States and Israel to cease nuclear activities.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly rejected US calls for surrender, warning that any American military intervention would lead to “irreparable damage” for the United States. He emphasized Iran’s resilience, stating that the Iranian nation does not surrender and is prepared to respond to threats with reciprocal measures. Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly deployed a new type of missile, believed to be unprecedented in its use, which was launched earlier today and is believed to have involved a missile with a range of up to 2,000 kilometers.
Israeli military sources report that the recent missile launches from Iran involved only a limited number of projectiles—perhaps two—whose trajectories appeared unusual but caused no casualties or damage. Israeli defense systems, including interceptors, successfully thwarted all incoming threats, and the Israeli home front has been advised to continue following safety protocols as the situation remains volatile.
On the diplomatic front, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has expressed interest in positioning himself as a mediator in the conflict, although skepticism remains due to Moscow’s close ties with Iran and its ongoing support for the Syrian regime. Meanwhile, Turkey and Armenia are reportedly preparing for talks that could influence the regional fallout of this widening conflict.
Amid the hostilities, Israel has begun to facilitate the return of stranded citizens through rescue flights from Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and France. Notably, El Al’s first Haredi female pilot, Nechama Spiegel, successfully led a flight carrying Israelis back home, marking a historic milestone in Israeli aviation.
In the broader regional context, tensions along shared borders are rising, with reports of sirens and alerts in central Israel, the Gaza Strip, and other regions. The Israeli Defense Forces continue their operations, with ongoing airstrikes targeting Iranian missile launchers, command centers, and other military assets. The situation remains highly fluid, with international actors watching closely as the conflict threatens to expand beyond the immediate theater.
In summary, the day is marked by a mix of military activity, diplomatic maneuvering, and civilian resilience amid a serious regional
Published on 3 weeks, 4 days ago